I, along with a number of colleagues, was first to arrive following the gas blast.

The scene that greeted us was one of absolute devastation and we quickly identified Jamie’s mum, Michelle, who was shell shocked and in a state of panic.

As soon as we learnt that Jamie was inside we went in, through the rubble, to look for him.

As a police officer it is second nature for me to act instinctively. It is something that I did on this occasion. I was not thinking about anything other than Jamie.

Tragically I found him dead inside and this is something that still haunts me. Despite our best efforts we could not free him from the rubble at that time and I just wish the outcome had been different for him and his family.

I hope they have found some comfort now Andrew Partington has been sentenced and my thoughts and sympathies remain with them.

A man who blew up his house in a massive gas blast that killed his two-year-old next-door neighbour - Jamie Heaton - has been jailed for 10 years - and will serve a further five on licence.

A statement released by Jamie's parents, Michelle and Kenny Heaton, says: "On 26th June last year our lives were torn apart, as were those of our families and neighbours. Our dear son Jamie was killed in an explosion which occurred at our next door neighbour's house.

"As time went by and after extensive enquiries we have learned that the explosion was caused by a selfish and deliberate criminal act. The fact that the act was deliberate and totally avoidable has made the grieving ever harder to manage."

A man who blew up his house in a massive gas blast that killed his two-year-old next-door neighbour has been jailed for 10 years - and will serve a further five on licence.

The explosion obliterated the rented home of Andrew Partington and neighbouring terrace houses in Shaw, Oldham, last June.

Andrew Partington. Credit: Greater Manchester Police

The body of toddler Jamie Heaton was found in the wreckage.Partington pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court in November to manslaughter and eight charges of destroying houses in the blast in Buckley Street on June 26.

Jamie had been watching television in the lounge while his mother was doing housework and his father was out at work.He lived at 11 Buckley Street with his parents Kenny and Michelle, next door to Partington at number 9 and his partner, Tania Williams, and their children.

Partington and Ms Williams had a stormy relationship, according to locals, with police being called to one bust-up. Neighbours said there was another row the night before the blast and Partington had been drinking. The next day, at around 11.20am, the gas ignited.

Partington survived and was rescued by the emergency services.He spent weeks in hospital and still suffers from injuries sustained in the blast.The cost of damage to the houses and surrounding streets has been estimated at around £1.2 million.